Dear Editor,
Homelessness continues to be a staggering social injustice, with thousands sleeping rough on London’s streets and many more living in temporary accommodation, or sleeping on friends’ sofas. It doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, with robust political interventions, we can turn things around.
This week, the Mayor announced that the number of rough sleepers in London has started to slowly fall for the first time in a decade. This results from a marked increase in efforts to tackle homelessness, bolstered by the Mayor’s investment of over £8 million a year to help those most at risk of destitution.
This is a tentative step in the right direction. It’s also a refreshing break from Boris Johnson’s administration which saw significant increases in rough sleeping. However, if we are to truly turn to the tide on homelessness, we need more significant intervention from central government.
Sadly, the situation will only get worse if they continue to preside over disastrous welfare reforms, cuts to mental health services and a miserable track record of building genuinely affordable homes.
Sadiq continues to drive forward his campaign to end homelessness in London, we need to see the Government approach this urgent issue with the same vigour.
Yours,
Tom Copley AM